Approximation by ruled surfaces (Q1300789)

Let a surface or scattered data points from a surface in \(\mathbb{R}^3\) be given. The authors approximate the given data by a ruled surface in tensor product B-spline representation. The presented algorithm consists of 3 steps: 1. Find a discrete system of rulings close to the given surface. 2. Construct a ruled tensor product B-spline surface approximating the system of rulings. 3. Improve the approximating ruled surface by least squares approximation and parameter correction. This algorithm possesses applications in architectural design, reverse engineering, wire electric discharge machining and NC milling. Step 2 of the method leads to a general framework for approximation in line space by local mappings of the Klein quadric into \(\mathbb{R}^4\).